After news stories about Sotonwa's two arrests last month, Largo police received more complaints from other patients.

Lt. Mike Loux said the complainants were female patients who said Sotonwa fondled their breasts. Eight misdemeanor battery accusations have been referred to the State Attorney's Office, which will decide whether to charge Sotonwa, 42, further.

Sotonwa has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney, Peter Sartes, said all of the allegations are baseless. Sotonwa always made sure to have a nurse or his wife present when he examined female patients, Sartes said.

Sartes attributed the 17 total complaints to a "herd mentality."

"This is law enforcement contacting anybody and everybody," Sartes said. "Basically, they're making these people believe that routine proper medical examinations are somehow inappropriate."

Sotonwa, of Clearwater, continues to practice at his office in Largo, Sartes said.

The Florida Department of Health initiated an independent investigation, but Sotonwa's license is still active, Sartes said.